Scare tactic OR Truth?

[shiny]

Hey there,
today I cleaned for my Aunt and I informed her in a very nice manner that I am in the process of getting my business license , insurrance, and bonded. I said because of this my rates will be going up soon and that I will be charging the same as my competitors. Her response was that she wouldn't be able to afford me anymore and she didn't think that my Uncle would agree to paying me more.

A little later my Uncle approached me and tried to convince me not to get a business license, insured, etc.... and that I should keep things the way they are now (which is $10.00 hourly) because people in Michigan won't pay that much anmd by the time I pay out my taxes and other expenses I will end up only making what I am making now anyway. He said he has 3 franchises of Subway and he knows what he is talking about. Is he trying to intimidate me here, or is there some truth to this? I clean houses by myself, no help at all.

I have tried calling maid services in my area to see what their rates are but they refuse to give a quote without looking at my home first. How can I find out what the going rate is in my area? I need as much help here as I can get....this is a little scary since I'm pretty new to the business part of things. Thanks! Sherri

[Linda]

They have 3 franchises? Sounds to me like getting his license and insurance was worth it. Sweetie, starting your own business is always worth it. Do you want to work for someone else all your life and take a check that they dont even want to give in the first place or a check that you feel you deserve? They want to pay as little as possible. My ex sister-in-law use to clean in Michigan. I will ask her what she charged and she wasnt licensed either, but she made excellent money. People are willing to pay. You just have to find them or make a way for them to find you. My sil hung up door flyers. She went to the ritzy part of the neighborhoods and did just fine.
Do not let them talk you out of starting your own business. It is well worth it. Let them find someone else to take advantage of. It will be hard for them to do. They will not be able to get their home professionally cleaned at that price.
Linda

[Linda]

There are a few people cleaning in Michigan right here on the board. Start reading, it is worth it. He is using a scare tactic.

Linda

[Linda]

Another thing you can tell your Aunt and Uncle. If they can not afford a professional cleaning service then you understand if they find someone else. See how fast their ego kicks in Be sure you are willing to let them go first just in case .

[cleanrx]

Always charge friends and relatives double the price so when they ask for their "family or friend discount" you can then give them 50%off discount and you will be at your regular price. Tell your uncle that only an idiot wil pay $5.00 for a Subway sub which they can make at home .79 cents and you know that nobody in Michigan will pay over .79 cents for a sub so he can close his three franchises--which by the way cost over $250K each just to open a simple Subway franchise in a small town.

[kimmierue]

Oh shiny....I know you probably love your family, but the way you are describing these people...they seem like blood suckers! For some reason they just do not want you to succeed. Do not, whatever you do, listen to them!

In my opinion, unless you are really hurting for money...drop them like a bad habit. Make up something, tell them the truth...whatever...but seriously...they just seem like the kind of people that will only hold you down and that will do you in bigtime.

GET AWAY FROM THEM!!

[kimmierue]

BTW....

I had Merry Maids and The Cleaning Authority come out and quote my home, my mom's, and my mother in law's.....*giggles* HAHAHA!!!!

Why not? I now know their outrageous prices and that they clean practically nothing when they come.

[jnjclean]

Hello Sherri,
I agree with everyone, they are (no offense) cheap!! They have you doing this for next to nothing as it is, and this is hard work. If I were you I would just be very business like with them and inform them of your new rates. If you happen to know any local business owners, ask them for a little help. Most people enjoy helping others who are new. I am in the same process, I know how frustratimg it can be, but keep trying. If you get one call for every hundred flyers, then your doing good. I just paid someone to distribute flyers for me last week, come to find out he put them in mailboxes, post office called me today nearly tore my head off, so like almost 500 flyers gone. But I will go back, make more and distribute them myself. Another good idea are the door hangers. Talk to people, keep asking for help, someday someone will need yours too!!
Dont let anyone stop you from doing what you want to do. Some people feel the need to keep other people down to bring themselves up, dont let that happen. You can be polite about it, but ultimately do what you think best serves you. By the way, if they own 2 subways, why are they paying you so little?

[GDP Cleaning Service]

Continue with your quest to be a legit business owner and tell them you will let them know what there rate is going to be and if they balk at it then simply WALK. good luck

[RJ Cleaning]

its a scare tactic.
of course he does not want you to grow.
there geting dirt cheap cleaning.
I would just tell the aunt and uncle to kiss off.